ACUTE leukemia accounts for 50% to 60% of all leukemias of the Western World.1 Although more common in children, it affects all ages. Males are slightly more often affected than females. There are four morphological types, reflecting the predominant cell type: lymphocytic, which is the most common; myelocytic; monocytic; and stem cell.
The signs and symptoms of acute leukemia are the result of a decreased number of normal leukocytes, platelets, or erythrocytes, or infiltration of leukemic cells in various organs or tissues. Metabolic alterations, such as fever and fatigue, also occur. These alterations are not clearly understood. The diagnosis of leukemia is confirmed by study of the peripheral blood smear and bone marrow.
The ears, nose, and throat are frequently mentioned as the site of early manifestations of acute leukemia. The disease may present as a prolonged upper respiratory infection, resistant to usual therapy.1,2 Deafness, vertigo, or